A business attorney Orange County can explain that antitrust rules were established to prevent companies from hindering the free competition system. When free competition is not prevalent, companies may raise prices on consumers. Antitrust rules are enforced to protect consumers. State and federal laws prohibit a number of practices, including those that involve unreasonably restraining interstate and foreign trade. Some other examples include:
Price Fixing
It is a violation of antitrust laws for two or more competitors to agree on the prices to set for their products, such as not increasing them over a certain amount or refusing to sell them below a certain price point.
Customer Allocation
It can be a violation of antitrust laws for companies to agree to split up customers in order to reduce or eliminate competition.
Monopolization
Federal law is violated when a company uses anti-competitive conduct in order to suppress competition.
Bid Rigging
Bid rigging occurs when multiple firms enter into an agreement to bid in a manner in which one selected firm will submit a winning bid. This is usually completed on local, state or federal government contracts.
These are just a few examples of antitrust conduct. State and federal laws discuss specific conduct that violates these rules. Antitrust conduct can result in increased prices of ten percent or more. A business attorney Orange County can explain that state and federal agencies may investigate allegations of antitrust violations.
Legal Assistance
If you would like more information about antitrust rules, contact a business attorney Orange County from Daily Aljian LLP.